5 Ways to Stay Safe in the Summer
Planning ahead and being prepared for this summer may be the difference between spending the summer lying near the pool and lying in a hospital bed. Because of the heat and other dangers that come with summer it is important to take steps to stay safe this summer.
- Drink Water/ Staying Hydrated.
Staying hydrated is one of the most important rules of staying safe in the summer. Knowing what to drink is important as some drinks may have an opposite effect and may actually cause dehydration. Drinking a soda which contains sodium and caffeine will dehydrate. Energy drinks should be consumed with caution, as some of them are high and caffeine, sodium and sugar– you should opt instead for a cold glass of water throughout the day. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention drinking water throughout the day in small intervals will be more beneficial than drinking a large amount all at once.
- Pool Safety
During the summer one of the most popular places to visit is the pool. Having fun is all well and good but it is also important to stay safe near the pool, especially for children who need to be monitored whenever near water. Studies from the CDC showed that from 2005 to 2014 there was an average of over 3,500 unintentional drownings annually in the U.S. About a quarter of those who die from drowning are 14 years old or younger. The best way to avoid this risk is to ensure adult supervision even if there is a life guard present. Additionally, always make sure their is someone who is trained in CPR present.
- Always Use Sunscreen
A popular question asked during the summer is: “Do I even need sunscreen?” The answer is always YES, according to many leading authorities on the effect of sun on the human body. Sunscreen protects your skin and reduces your risk of developing skin cancer. When selecting which sunscreen to use, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing sunscreens that represent on the label Broad Spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance.
- Staying Cool
According to the CDC there are over 600 high-heat related deaths every year. They recommend seeking a cool place to relax in the shade or in an air conditioned location when temperatures reach a dangerously high level. Staying too long under the sun in high temperatures may result in heat stroke and/or heat exhaustion. If you or someone you know begins to feel symptoms of heat stroke, contacting a medical professional is recommended. Symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Rapid breathing
- Flushed skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Racing Heart Rate
- Grilling Safely to Prevent Food Poisoning
Summer is also well known as the season for grilling, but it is important to do it safely since the summer season is the high-season for food poisoning. Learning to grill safely can make a big difference to both your safety and the safety those you are cooking for. Because of this the CDC has prepared some steps to follow to make sure grilling is done safely. It is important to separate ingredient’s properly to avoid cross-contamination – items such as raw meat and poultry should be placed in individual plastic bags. Cleaning your hands, utensils, and the grill must always be done before starting to cook. Throw out any sauces or marinades that have come in contact with raw meat juice since it can spread germs to cooked food. Always use a food thermometer to make sure the meat is cooked at the appropriate temperature. Make sure to maintain food at 140°F or warmer until served. When refrigerating leftovers, divide the food into small portions and place them in covered containers and refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking or one hour if it is over 90°F outside.
For more information about one or more of the 5 Ways to Stay Safe in the Summer, see the following:
- https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/bbq-iq.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/features/extremeheat/index.html
- https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs
- https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/UserFiles/works/pdfs/2017-126.pdf
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581
- https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/prevent/is-sunsceen-safe
- https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html
- https://ronsimonassociates.com/
